The Dane County Department of Human Services has launched its 2026 Requests for Proposals (RFPs), the annual competitive bidding process to select partners to provide client services throughout the county. Millions of dollars are available for approximately 30 RFPs for:
- Services in Behavioral Health, Disability and Aging Services, Children Youth and Families, Prevention and Early Intervention, Economic Assistance and Work Services, Housing Access and Affordability;
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunities to build stronger and more resilient communities; and
- HOME Investment Partnership program designed to create affordable housing.
“We encourage agencies to apply for these opportunities to serve area residents and better the Dane County community,” said Human Services Interim Director Astra Iheukumere. “Together, these efforts advance local infrastructure, progress affordable housing, support our youth, help create a better tomorrow for residents, and so much more.”
In spring of 2025, the Human Services Department is releasing the following competitive RFPs:
- Behavioral Health Division
- OWI Court
- Crisis Case Management and Outreach
- Work Services and Peer-Based Services
- Drop-In Center Services
- Outpatient Treatment for Court-Involved Children and Families
- School-based Mental Health Case Management
- Intensive Therapeutic Services for Court-Involved Youth and Adolescents
- Disability and Aging Services Division
- Outreach to Underserved Older Adults
- Service Coordination for Adults with Hearing Impairment and Physical Disabilities
- Economic Assistance and Work Services Division
- Food Distribution Program
- Driver’s License Recovery
- Prevention and Early Intervention Division
- College and Career Readiness
- Information, Referral, and Outreach
- Parent Education and Supportive Services
- Children, Youth, and Families Division
- Youth Mentoring Services
- Youth Restitution/Community Service and Victim Services
- Restorative Justice/Municipal Diversion
- Prosocial/Recreational Activities for Youth
- Youth Employment and Support Services
- Housing Access and Affordability Division
- Permanent Housing Supportive Services
- Emergency Shelter Services
- Housing Access and Affordability: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
- Housing Access & Affordability
- Economic & Business Development
- Public Services
- Public Facilities & Infrastructure
- Community Housing Development Organizations
Those interested in participating in the bidding process can visit Dane County’s purchasing portal: bit.ly/DCDHSrfp2026 for more details, deadlines, and the opportunity to submit questions. Applications are due in late May and early June, depending on the RFP. Most RFPs and associated application materials are available in April; however, additional RFPs may be released throughout the year.
Dane County CDBG and HOME allocate grants to nonprofits and low-interest loans to housing developers to support housing and community development activities that benefit primarily low- and moderate-income residents in Dane County. More information can be found at the website, including the recording of the RFP workshop to learn more about the competitive bidding process: https://cdbg.danecounty.gov/about/funding-opportunities.
For all RFPs, check the websites for due dates and opportunities to ask questions. Complete proposals must be submitted by the relevant deadline for consideration.
